July 2005

Refurbished 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $2299; save $400
Saturday, July 30 2005 @ 8:57 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $2299. That's a $400 discount over new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

Save $300 with refurbished 2005 15" Aluminum PowerBook G4s
Saturday, July 30 2005 @ 8:55 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2005 15" PowerBooks available today for $300 off the price of new models. The 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook is available for $1999, while the 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook is available for $1699. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. Note that Apple is reporting a 7-10 day wait for each of these PowerBooks.

Two generations of refurbished 12" Aluminum PowerBooks available; prices start at $1099
Saturday, July 30 2005 @ 8:53 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 12" Aluminum PowerBook G4s available today starting at $1099. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1499 ($200 discount over new)
- 12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1299 ($200 discount over new)
- 12" 2004 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1299
- 12" 2004 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1099

Note that some of these models may sell out quickly.

Week's Best PowerBook Deals
Friday, July 29 2005 @ 11:25 AM ET | Article Link

Several resellers are offering nice bundles with the purchase of a new PowerBook G4. Here is a rundown of the latest, and best, bundles available. Note that most require a mail-in rebate, or, in the case of RAM, an installation fee:

MacConnection has new Aluminum PowerBook G4s available with several free bundles. A 512MB RAM upgrade (for a total of 1GB of RAM with 15" and 17" models) is available after a $129 mail-in rebate and $39.95 installation fee. A free Mobile Edge carrying case is available after a $69.88 mail-in rebate, and an HP Deskjet 3650 and Epson Stylus C86 printer are both free after applicable mail-in rebates. Rebate details are available on each product's specification page:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2694; sku 5638126
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2294; sku 5638097
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1994; sku 5638071
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1694; sku 5638054
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1494; sku 5638038

MacZone has 15" PowerBook G4s available today with free extra batteries and carrying cases -- no rebates or forms involved:

- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2294.98 sku 00324805
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1994.98 sku 00324803

MacMall has PowerBook G4s available with several free bundles. Each bundle is optional, and all require various mail-in rebates (details are available on each product's specification page):

- 1GB Premium RAM ($39 installation fee required, $179 mail-in rebate)
- Lexmark Z816 printer
- Carrying case
- Apple iSight camera

Here are the applicable skus. Ground shipping is free, and all five models are in stock today:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $2694; sku 194033
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $2294; sku 194031
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook: $1994; sku 194030
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook/SuperDrive: $1694; sku 194027
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook/Combo: $1494; sku 194005

Amazon.com is now offering mail-in rebates up to $200 off MSRP on new PowerBooks though August 16th. Mail-in rebate forms (PDF) can be found on each product's specification page or on the price trackers at macprices.net. To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). Including the rebates, prices are as follows:

Updated PowerBook Price Trackers
Friday, July 29 2005 @ 9:33 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our PowerBook Price Trackers (17" PowerBooks | 15" PowerBooks | 12" PowerBooks) with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers.

15" PowerBooks available today with free battery and carrying case
Friday, July 29 2005 @ 8:55 AM ET | Article Link
MacZone has 15" PowerBook G4s available today with free extra batteries and carrying cases -- no rebates or forms involved. Both models are in stock today and available for immediate shipping:

- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2294.98 sku 00324805
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1994.98 sku 00324803

Apple drops prices on refurbished 1.33GHz 14" iBooks by as much as $200
Friday, July 29 2005 @ 8:40 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has lowered prices on Apple Certified Refurbished 1.33GHz 14" iBooks by as much as $200. The 1.33GHz 14" iBook G4/Combo is now available for $999 ($100 drop), while the 1.33GHz 14" iBook G4/SuperDrive is available for $1099 ($200 drop). Each iBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

Apple adds Mac minis to lineup of Apple Certified Refurbished Macs
Friday, July 29 2005 @ 8:37 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store is now offering Apple Certified Refurbished first-generation Mac minis alongside its lineup of refurbished Power Macs, eMacs, and iMac G5s. They have 1.25GHz Mac minis available for $449 and 1.42GHz Mac minis available for $529. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

Refurbished 1.42GHz eMacs available; save up to $100
Friday, July 29 2005 @ 8:33 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 1.42GHz eMac/SuperDrives available today for $899. That represents a $100 discount over new models. The 1.42GHz eMac/Combo is available for $729 -- an $80 discount over new models. Each eMac comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

Updated iBook Price Trackers
Thursday, July 28 2005 @ 10:56 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our iBook Price Tracker with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers. This includes information on the new 1.33GHz and 1.42GHz iBooks.

Information on leftover, October 2004 models has been moved to our 12" iBook (leftover) Price Tracker and our 14" iBook (leftover) Price Tracker.

12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/CD (refurbished) available for $699
Thursday, July 28 2005 @ 10:20 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 12" 1GHz iBook G4/CDs available today for $699. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

Factory Certified Apple Aluminum Displays available today; up to $400 off list
Thursday, July 28 2005 @ 10:16 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 23" Apple Aluminum DVI Flat-Panel Displays available today for $1299. That represents a $200 savings over new models. 20" Aluminum Displays are available for $699 ($100 discount). Finally, the 30" Display is available for $2599 -- $400 off list price. An Apple one-year warranty is included with each unit, and ground shipping is free.

New iBooks in stock with same day shipping
Thursday, July 28 2005 @ 10:13 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store is reporting Same Business Day shipping with the new 1.33GHz and 1.42GHz iBooks released Tuesday. The 12" 1.33GHz iBook G4 is available for $999, and the 14" 1.42GHz iBook is available for $1299.

New iBooks: Education customers get free iPod mini with purchase
Thursday, July 28 2005 @ 9:08 AM ET | Article Link
Apple will include a free 4GB iPod mini with the purchase of select Macs through September 24th at The Apple Store for Education as part of their Student Union promotion. Qualifying computers include all PowerBooks, Power Macs, iMac G5s, and iBooks (new iBooks qualify!). "You can choose a 4GB iPod mini in any color. Or purchase a 6GB iPod mini, 20GB or 60GB iPod, or a 20GB iPod U2 Special Edition and save $179 after mail-in rebate." Their rebate coupon is available here (PDF).

PowerBooks available with free iSight plus 1GB RAM upgrade
Thursday, July 28 2005 @ 9:00 AM ET | Article Link
Purchase any new PowerBook at MacMall through July 31st, and receive a free Apple iSight. Offer is good after a $144 mail-in rebate. A 1GB 'premium' RAM upgrade is also available after a $179 mail-in rebate and $39.95 installation fee. That gives you a total of 1.5GB of RAM with your PowerBook. RAM offer is also valid until July 31st.

12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo available for $789
Thursday, July 28 2005 @ 8:49 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore has 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combos available today for $799.99. Look for item number TR1792. A TechRestore 6 month warranty is included, and there is a 30-day full refund policy. Use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive an extra $10 off for a total of $789.99.

New iBooks available with free upgrade to 1.5GB of RAM [updated]
Wednesday, July 27 2005 @ 10:30 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has the new iBooks available for order today including a free 1GB 'premium' RAM (now PC2700) upgrade, for a total of 1.5GB of RAM. The memory is free after a $179 mail-in rebate and $39.95 installation fee, good until July 31st. Also free, after applicable mail-in rebates, are a Lexmark Z816 printer and a carrying case. The 12" 1.33GHz iBook is available for $994, and the 14" 1.42GHz iBook is available for $1294.

New iBook Enhancements Erase My Value Doubts - Plus PowerBook Mystique Mailbag
Wednesday, July 27 2005 @ 10:06 AM ET | Article Link
by Charles W. Moore

Not a grand slam home run perhaps, but at least a solid triple to the outfield wall, the iBook refreshments announced Tuesday were pretty much what I had expected. While there had been rumor speculation about an entirely new iBook form factor, it just didn't seem likely at this point. Reports out of Taiwan about contracts being awarded by Apple for a 14 inch widescreen iBook have pointed to the fall, or early 2006, as the likely introduction date, so if that's what's indeed coming, it was hardly reasonable to expect a major redesign this summer.

So what we got was one last kick at old school for the venerable but worthy dual USB form factor introduced in May, 2001, and January, 2002 to respectively for the 12-inch and 14-inch models, and a model rationalization that sees the top of the line $1499.00 SuperDrive version dropped to the former intermediate $1299.00 price point, with an intermediate model dispensed with altogether. That makes good sense on two counts. Read More...

Apple serves up numerous refurbished Aluminum PowerBooks; prices start at $1299
Wednesday, July 27 2005 @ 10:04 AM ET | Article Link

The Apple Store has numerous Apple Certified Refurbished Aluminum PowerBook G4s available today at prices starting at $1299. Each model comes with a standard Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following models are available:

17" 2005 1.67GHz PowerBook: $2299

15" 2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1999
15" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1699
15" 2004 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1799

12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1499
12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1299
12" 2004 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1299

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1394; save $100
Tuesday, July 26 2005 @ 6:18 PM ET | Article Link
eCost.com has 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $1394 after a $100 instant rebate. No fees or rebates are involved. Look for item number 2774295.

17" 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $2544; save $150
Tuesday, July 26 2005 @ 6:11 PM ET | Article Link
eCost.com has 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4s available for $2544 after a $150 instant discount. No fees or rebates are involved. Look for item number 2774316. Their price is the lowest we've seen from any Apple Authorized Internet/Catalog Reseller.

Updated iBook Price Trackers
Tuesday, July 26 2005 @ 3:23 PM ET | Article Link
We've updated our iBook Price Tracker with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's Authorized Internet/Catalog Resellers. This includes information on the new 1.33GHz and 1.42GHz iBooks introduced today. We'll be updating prices continuously as data come in from resellers.

Information on leftover, October 2004 models has been moved to our 12" iBook (leftover) Price Tracker and our 14" iBook (leftover) Price Tracker.

Deal Alert! 12" 1.2GHz iBook/Combo available for $799. Today only!
Tuesday, July 26 2005 @ 3:16 PM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com has new, leftover, previous-generation 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combos available for $799.99 for today only (Tuesday) after a $100 mail-in rebate (PDF). Look for item number B0002A6YVC. That's $100 cheaper than the lowest price we've seen for that model, but you have to place your order by midnight tonight to qualify for the rebate!

New iBooks available with free upgrade to 1.5GB of RAM
Tuesday, July 26 2005 @ 10:43 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has the new iBooks available for order today including a free 1GB 'premium' RAM upgrade, for a total of 1.5GB of RAM. The memory is free after a $179 mail-in rebate and $39.95 installation fee, good until July 31st. Also free, after applicable mail-in rebates, are a Lexmark Z816 printer and a carrying case. The 12" 1.33GHz iBook is available for $994, and the 14" 1.42GHz iBook is available for $1294.

Update:
MacMall is including PC2100 RAM with their upgrade, but the new iBooks use PC2700 DDR RAM, so they may NOT be compatible. We'll update again as their RAM upgrade becomes clear.

Up to $350 off leftover 2004 iBooks, now with free 1GB RAM upgrade
Tuesday, July 26 2005 @ 10:03 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has new, leftover, previous-generation iBook G4s reduced up to $350 off previous prices. Each model is available with a free 1GB 'premium' RAM upgrade (mail-in rebate and installation fee required) through the 31st:

- 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4: $894 ($100 drop)
- 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combo: $1044 ($250 drop)
- 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/SuperDrive: $1144 ($350 drop)

Apple unveils new iBooks. Now up to 1.42GHz, 512MB RAM
Tuesday, July 26 2005 @ 9:16 AM ET | Article Link
Apple introduced new iBook G4s today in two configutations reaching 1.42GHz. Using a slighly-refreshed case design, the 12" $999 model now sports a 1.33GHz G4 CPU, 512MB of RAM, and a new ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 graphics card with 32MB VRAM compatible with OS X 10.4. A $1299 14" model uses a 1.42GHz G4, 512MB of RAM, 8x SuperDrive, and the same ATI graphics card. The following configurations are available at The Apple Store today with 3-5 day shipping (ground shipping is free):

12" 1.33GHz:
$999

1.33GHz PowerPC G4
512K L2 cache @1.33GHz
512MB memory (DDR333 SDRAM)
12.1-inch TFT Display
1024x768 resolution
ATI Mobility Radeon 9550
32MB DDR video memory
40GB Ultra ATA hard drive
Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
Built-in AirPort Extreme
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
Scrolling Trackpad
Sudden Motion Sensor

14" 1.42GHz
$1299

1.42GHz PowerPC G4
512K L2 cache @1.42GHz
512MB memory (DDR333 SDRAM)
14.1-inch TFT Display
1024x768 resolution
ATI Mobility Radeon 9550
32MB DDR video memory
60GB Ultra ATA hard drive
SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Built-in AirPort Extreme
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
Scrolling Trackpad
Sudden Motion Sensor

Apple has updated the iBooks with slot-loading optical drives, Bluetooth 2.0, scrolling trackpads, and Sudden Motion Sensor technology. Maximum RAM capacty has also been increased from 1.25GB to 1.5GB. Build-to-order options include upgrades to 768MB RAM ($75), 1GB RAM ($150), or 1.5GB RAM ($500). Hard drive capacity can be increased to 60GB (12" model only), 80GB, or 100GB -- all at 4200RPM.

Refurbished 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $2299; save $400
Tuesday, July 26 2005 @ 7:36 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $2299. That's a $400 discount over new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

Apple Certified Refurbished 12" 1.5GHz PowerBooks available; save $200 over new models
Monday, July 25 2005 @ 10:35 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 12" 1.5GHz PowerBooks available today for a $200 discount over new models. Each PowerBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, just like new laptops, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1499
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1299

Updated PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers
Monday, July 25 2005 @ 10:32 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our PowerBook Price Trackers (17" PowerBooks | 15" PowerBooks | 12" PowerBooks) and iBook Price Trackers (14" iBooks | 12" iBooks) with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers.

Updated Clearance Price Trackers
Monday, July 25 2005 @ 10:32 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Clearance PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers with all the latest information on prices and availability for refurbished, open-box return, leftover, and used PowerBooks and iBooks from 14 Mac dealers. We've also updated our Clearance Mac Desktops Price Tracker with the latest information on Power Macs, iMacs, minis, and eMacs.

12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/CD (reconditioned) available for $759
Monday, July 25 2005 @ 10:30 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore has 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/CDs available today for $769.99. Look for item number TR1791. A TechRestore 6 month warranty is included, and there is a 30-day full refund policy. Use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive an extra $10 off for a total of $759.99.

OBR 2005 17" 2GHz iMac G5 available for $1349; save $150
Monday, July 25 2005 @ 10:28 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has open-box return 2005 17" 2GHz iMac G5s available today for $1349.99. Look for item number 565369. That's a $150 savings over unopened boxes. Apple's one-year warranty is intact.

12" 867MHz PowerBook G4s available from $889 w/warranties
Monday, July 25 2005 @ 10:25 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore has 12" 867MHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $949.99. Look for item number TR1539. They have 12" 867MHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $899.99. Look for item number TR1496. A TechRestore 6 month warranty is included, and there is a 30-day full refund policy. Use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive an extra $10 off for a total of $939.99 and $889.99, respectively, for the SuperDrive and Combo models.

Use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive $10 off any order of $150 or more at TechRestore.

Apple + Intel: It's Not About The Mac
Monday, July 25 2005 @ 10:21 AM ET | Article Link
by Noah Kravitz

The iPod has spawned a cottage industry of accessories and gadgets trumped only by the absurd number of voices crying out speculation, hearsay, and rumor each day about Apple's forthcoming product lines. I, of course, have made my own voice heard amongst the throng from time to time so there's certainly no shiny halo hanging above my head. But from time to time I remember how people don't really get excited about what Dell or HP might be introducing six months hence. And from time to time I also remember that no other company currently selling anything in the Western World could possibly have introduced a product that lagged behind its competitors in virtually all important respects and still incited a literal stampede of consumers eager to be the first on their block to buy one. Read More...

Custom configured PowerBooks from Apple; save $150 on some configurations
Monday, July 25 2005 @ 10:14 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has several build-to-order (BTO) options available with new PowerBook G4s. With these options, you can configure the size of the hard drive, the type of optical drive, and the amount of included memory:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook: 80GB hard drive (-$100), Up to 2GB RAM ($850)
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook: 100GB HD ($100), Combo Drive (-$150), Up to 2GB RAM ($850), 128MB VRAM ($100)
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook: 100GB HD ($100), SuperDrive ($150), Up to 2GB RAM ($850)
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBooks: 100GB 5400rpm HD ($150), Up to 1.256GB RAM ($425)

With these options, the wait at The Apple Store increases to 3-5 business days. Note that some of the options will actually reduce the price of the PowerBook. For instance, choosing an 80GB hard drive, as opposed to the standard 100GB hard drive, will lower the price of the 17" PowerBook by $100 to $2594. Choosing a Combo Drive with the 15" 1.67GHz model lowers the price by $150 to $2149.

Product Review: AirPlay FM Transmitter for iPod shuffle
Monday, July 25 2005 @ 10:00 AM ET | Article Link
by Noah Kravitz

The sheer volume of iPod shuffle accessories to hit the market since the diminutive music player's release this past January has been astounding. In a way this makes sense, as the shuffle's $99 price tag both leaves newcomers to the Cult of iPod some cash leftover for aftermarket add-ons and opens up the accessory makers' market to a dirth of potential new customers. For as much as iPod owners are seduced by the players' trademark white case and earbuds, we also value our own uniqueness enough to shell out another 35 bucks for a case to sheath all that glowing white plastic in a color all our own.

Still, I was literally astounded when I opened the box XtremeMac recently sent me. XtremeMac has taken to calling themselves "The iPod Xperts," and if nothing else they've got numbers on their side; no fewer than eight different red and orange retail packages lay waiting inside the box for me, each containing its own little bit of shuffle magic. Read More...

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1399; save $100
Monday, July 25 2005 @ 9:37 AM ET | Article Link
J&R has the 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1399.99 after a $100 instant discount. Look for item number M9690LL/A. Their price is the lowest outright price we've seen -- no rebates required.

2004 iMac G5s available starting at $899
Monday, July 25 2005 @ 9:13 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 2004 iMac G5s available today starting at $899. The 17" 1.6GHz iMac G5 is available for $899, the 17" 1.8GHz iMac G5 is available for $999, and the 20" 1.8GHz iMac G5 is available for $1399. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

Save $300 with reconditioned 2005 15" Aluminum PowerBook G4s
Sunday, July 24 2005 @ 11:24 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 2005 15" PowerBooks available today for $300 off the price of new models. The 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook is available for $1999, while the 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook is available for $1699. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

Education customers get free iPod mini with purchase of new Mac
Sunday, July 24 2005 @ 11:22 AM ET | Article Link
Apple will include a free 4GB iPod mini with the purchase of select Macs through September 24th at The Apple Store for Education as part of their Student Union promotion. Qualifying computers include all PowerBooks, Power Macs, iMac G5s, and iBooks (12"/CD model excluded). "You can choose a 4GB iPod mini in any color. Or purchase a 6GB iPod mini, 20GB or 60GB iPod, or a 20GB iPod U2 Special Edition and save $179 after mail-in rebate." Their rebate coupon is available here (PDF).

2004 17" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4 (refurbished) available for $1999
Saturday, July 23 2005 @ 10:17 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2004 17" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $1999. An Apple one-year warranty is standard, and ground shipping is free.

Apple refurbished 12" iBook G4s available from $799
Saturday, July 23 2005 @ 10:14 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has several Apple Certified Refurbished 12" iBook G4s available today beginning at $799. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free:

- 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo: $849
- 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/CD: $799
- 12" 1GHz iBook G4/Combo: $799

14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combo (reconditioned) available for $1099; save $200
Saturday, July 23 2005 @ 10:13 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combos available today for $1099. That's a $200 discount over new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

PowerBooks available with free iSight plus 1GB RAM upgrade
Friday, July 22 2005 @ 11:23 AM ET | Article Link
Purchase any new PowerBook at MacMall through July 31st, and receive a free Apple iSight. Offer is good after a $144 mail-in rebate. A 1GB 'premium' RAM upgrade is also available after a $179 mail-in rebate and $39.95 installation fee. That gives you a total of 1.5GB of RAM with your PowerBook. RAM offer is also valid until July 31st.

Updated PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers
Friday, July 22 2005 @ 10:53 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our PowerBook Price Trackers (17" PowerBooks | 15" PowerBooks | 12" PowerBooks) and iBook Price Trackers (14" iBooks | 12" iBooks) with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers.

14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/SuperDrive (reconditioned) available for $1299; save $200
Friday, July 22 2005 @ 8:49 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $1299. That's a $200 savings over new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

Updated Mac RAM Prices
Friday, July 22 2005 @ 8:44 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our RAM Price Tracker at macprices.net with the latest information on RAM prices for PowerBooks, iBooks, Power Mac G5s, and iMac G5s from several top memory resellers.

iBooks out of stock at The Apple Store
Friday, July 22 2005 @ 8:40 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store is reporting a 5-7 day wait for 14" and 12" iBooks this morning. This is up from 'Same Business Day' shipping yesterday. There is also a 5-7 day wait for build-to-order iBooks.

ACR 4G 20GB iPod available for $219
Thursday, July 21 2005 @ 10:54 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 4G click-wheel 20GB iPods available for $219. U2 iPods are available for $249. Each comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

OBR 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1699; save $300
Thursday, July 21 2005 @ 10:28 AM ET | Article Link
ClubMac has open-box return 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $1699.99. Look for item number 760082. That represents a $300 savings over unopened boxes.

15" PowerBooks available today with free battery and carrying case
Thursday, July 21 2005 @ 9:38 AM ET | Article Link

MacZone has 15" PowerBook G4s available today with free extra batteries and carrying cases -- no rebates or forms involved. Both models are in stock today and available for immediate shipping:

- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2294.98 sku 00324805
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1994.98 sku 00324803

12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo available for $899; save $100
Thursday, July 21 2005 @ 9:07 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com is offering a $100 mail-in rebate on the 12" iBook through July 26th (PDF). To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.):

- 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo: $899.99 MSRP $999

Refurbished 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $2299; save $400
Thursday, July 21 2005 @ 9:02 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $2299. That's a $400 discount over new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

What's The Ideal Mac OS Version For Your 'Book? - Plus PowerBook Mystique Mailbag
Wednesday, July 20 2005 @ 11:05 AM ET | Article Link
by Charles W. Moore

Questions I get asked fairly frequently, and particularly since the release of OS 10.4 Tiger, are variations on the general theme of upgrading older Macs to more recent operating system versions. The operative queries lately tend to be about whether it makes sense to install Tiger on a marginally supported (or unsupported) older Mac, or what is the minimal machine that will support Tiger adequately. There is no all-purpose boilerplate answer. The appropriate operating system to use on any computer depends upon variables like the speed of your machine, how much RAM you have, what you use the computer for, and how much performance (speed) you're willing to trade off in order to have more advanced features. Read More...

Two generations of refurbished 15" Aluminum PowerBooks available; prices start at $1499
Wednesday, July 20 2005 @ 11:02 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2004 and 2005 15" PowerBooks available today starting at $1499. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook/Super: $1999 MSRP $2299
- 2005 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook/Combo: $1699 MSRP $1999

- 2004 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook/Super: $1799
- 2004 15" 1.33GHz PowerBook/Combo: $1499

Two generations of refurbished 12" Aluminum PowerBooks available; prices start at $1099
Wednesday, July 20 2005 @ 10:58 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 12" Aluminum PowerBook G4s available today starting at $1099. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1499 ($200 discount over new)
- 12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1299 ($200 discount over new)
- 12" 2004 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1299
- 12" 2004 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1099

Note that some of these models may sell out quickly.

$150 off PowerBooks through July 26th
Tuesday, July 19 2005 @ 9:56 AM ET | Article Link

Amazon.com is offering $150 mail-in rebates on PowerBooks through July 26th. Mail-in rebate forms (PDF) can be found on each product's specification page or on the price trackers at macprices.net. To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). Including the rebates, prices are as follows:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4: $2549.99 MSRP $2699
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2149.99 MSRP $2299
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1849.99 MSRP $1999
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1549.99 MSRP $1699
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1349.99 MSRP $1499

Their prices are the lowest we've seen from any Apple Authorized Internet/Catalog Reseller. All models are in stock today.

PowerBooks available with free 512MB RAM upgrade, carrying case, and 2 printers
Tuesday, July 19 2005 @ 8:38 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has new Aluminum PowerBook G4s available with several free bundles. A 512MB RAM upgrade (for a total of 1GB of RAM with 15" and 17" models) is available after a $129 mail-in rebate and $39.95 installation fee. A free Mobile Edge carrying case is available after a $69.88 mail-in rebate, and an HP Deskjet 3650 and Epson Stylus C86 printer are both free after applicable mail-in rebates. Rebate details are available on each product's specification page. Here are the skus:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2694; sku 5638126
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2294; sku 5638097
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1994; sku 5638071
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1694; sku 5638054
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1494; sku 5638038

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1399; save $100
Tuesday, July 19 2005 @ 8:33 AM ET | Article Link
J&R has the 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1399.99 after a $100 instant discount. Look for item number M9690LL/A. Their price is the lowest outright price we've seen -- no rebates required.

Apple refurbished 12" iBook G4s available starting at $699
Tuesday, July 19 2005 @ 8:20 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has several Apple Certified Refurbished 12" iBook G4s available today beginning at $699. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free:

- 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo: $849
- 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/CD: $799
- 12" 1GHz iBook G4/Combo: $799
- 12" 1GHz iBook G4/CD: $699

15" 1GHz PowerBook G4/Combo (reconditioned) available for $1299
Tuesday, July 19 2005 @ 8:17 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2003 15" 1GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $1299. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

Employee discount pricing on new Macs through July 21st; save up to 38%
Monday, July 18 2005 @ 11:53 AM ET | Article Link

MacMall is offering employee discount pricing on all new Apple products through July 21st, including all Mac systems. There are no fees or rebates involved with the discount, and all their available bundles with each system (see the price trackers at macprices.net for details) are still available. Including the discount, prices for PowerBooks and iBooks are as follows:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $2585.14, sku 194033
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $2202, sku 194031
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook: $1914.64, sku 194030
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook/Super: $1663.47, sku 194005
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook/Combo: $1467.64, sku 194005

- 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Super: $1467.64, sku 518961
- 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combo: $1271.81, sku 518959
- 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo: $978.07, sku 518958

Updated PowerBook Prices and iBook Prices
Monday, July 18 2005 @ 11:41 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our PowerBook Price Trackers (17" PowerBooks | 15" PowerBooks | 12" PowerBooks) and iBook Price Trackers (14" iBooks | 12" iBooks) with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers.

Updated Clearance Price Trackers
Monday, July 18 2005 @ 11:39 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Clearance PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers with all the latest information on prices and availability for refurbished, open-box return, leftover, and used PowerBooks and iBooks from 14 Mac dealers. We've also updated our Clearance Mac Desktops Price Tracker with the latest information on Power Macs, iMacs, minis, and eMacs.

2004 iMac G5s available starting at $899
Monday, July 18 2005 @ 11:36 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 2004 iMac G5s available today starting at $899. The 17" 1.6GHz iMac G5 is available for $899, the 17" 1.8GHz iMac G5 is available for $999, and the 20" 1.8GHz iMac G5 is available for $1399. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

New Apple Store promotion: Get MS Office Student/Teacher Edition for $99.95
Monday, July 18 2005 @ 11:35 AM ET | Article Link
From now until September 16th, get a copy of Microsoft Office Student/Teacher Edition for $99.95 at The Apple Store after a $50 mail-in rebate (PDF coupon). Standard MSRP is $149.95. According to Apple, "to license Office 2004 for Mac Student and Teacher Edition, you must be a Qualified Educational User or the parent or guardian of a Qualified Educational User who is a minor. Qualified Educational Users include:

- Full or part-time students
- Home-schooled students
- Full or part-time faculty or staff of an accredited educational institution."

Leftover 20GB 4G iPod available for $259
Monday, July 18 2005 @ 9:07 AM ET | Article Link
Amazon.com has new, leftover, previous-generation 4G 20GB iPods now available for $259. Look for item number B0002OZXHO. That's $10 cheaper than the lowest price we've seen for that model.

12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/CD (reconditioned) available for $759
Monday, July 18 2005 @ 9:05 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore has 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/CDs available today for $769.99. Look for item number TR1791. A TechRestore 6 month warranty is included, and there is a 30-day full refund policy. Use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive an extra $10 off for a total of $759.99.

Apple serves up numerous refurbished Aluminum PowerBooks; prices start at $999
Sunday, July 17 2005 @ 10:26 AM ET | Article Link

The Apple Store has numerous Apple Certified Refurbished Aluminum PowerBook G4s available today at prices starting at $999. Each model comes with a standard Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following models are available:

17" 2005 1.67GHz PowerBook: $2299
17" 2004 1.5GHz PowerBook: $1999

15" 2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1999
15" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1699
15" 2004 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1499

12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1499
12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1299
12" 2004 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1299
12" 2003 1GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $999

Education customers get free iPod mini with purchase of new Mac
Sunday, July 17 2005 @ 10:17 AM ET | Article Link
Apple will include a free 4GB iPod mini with the purchase of select Macs through September 24th at The Apple Store for Education as part of their Student Union promotion. Qualifying computers include all PowerBooks, Power Macs, iMac G5s, and iBooks (12"/CD model excluded). "You can choose a 4GB iPod mini in any color. Or purchase a 6GB iPod mini, 20GB or 60GB iPod, or a 20GB iPod U2 Special Edition and save $179 after mail-in rebate." Their rebate coupon is available here (PDF).

Free 1GB RAM upgrade with PowerBooks; ends Sunday the 17th
Sunday, July 17 2005 @ 10:01 AM ET | Article Link
Purchase any new PowerBook at ClubMac and receive a free 1GB 'premium' RAM upgrade. Offer is good after a $179 mail-in rebate and $39.99 installation fee. You must make your purchase by midnight tonight to qualify for the rebate. The extra RAM will give you a total of 1.5GB of RAM with your new machine.

$150 off PowerBooks and iBooks through July 26th
Friday, July 15 2005 @ 10:25 AM ET | Article Link

Amazon.com is offering $150-$100 mail-in rebates on PowerBooks and iBooks through July 26th. Mail-in rebate forms (PDF) can be found on each product's specification page or on the price trackers at macprices.net. To qualify for the rebate, you must purchase the Mac from Amazon.com -- not one of their partners (Office Depot, etc.). Including the rebates, prices are as follows:

$150 rebate:
- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4: $2549.99 MSRP $2699
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2149.99 MSRP $2299
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1849.99 MSRP $1999
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1549.99 MSRP $1699
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1349.99 MSRP $1499

- 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/SuperDrive: $1349.99 MSRP $1499
- 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combo: $1149.99 MSRP $1299

$100 rebate:
- 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo: $899.99 MSRP $999

Their prices are the lowest we've seen from any Apple Authorized Internet/Catalog Reseller. All models are in stock today, with the exception of 14" iBooks.

Updated PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers
Friday, July 15 2005 @ 10:24 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our PowerBook Price Trackers (17" PowerBooks | 15" PowerBooks | 12" PowerBooks) and iBook Price Trackers (14" iBooks | 12" iBooks) with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers.

OBR 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combo available for $1039; save $260
Friday, July 15 2005 @ 10:19 AM ET | Article Link
ClubMac has open-box return 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combos available for $1039.99. Look for item number 647518. That represents a $260 savings over unopened boxes.

Refurbished 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $2299; save $400
Friday, July 15 2005 @ 10:06 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $2299. That's a $400 discount over new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

Apple Certified Refurbished 12" 1.5GHz PowerBooks available; save $200 over new models
Friday, July 15 2005 @ 10:05 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 12" 1.5GHz PowerBooks available today for a $200 discount over new models. Each PowerBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, just like new laptops, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1499
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1299

Apple offers refurbished 2004 15" PowerBooks from $1499
Friday, July 15 2005 @ 10:01 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 15" 2004 PowerBooks available today starting at $1499. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free:

- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1799
- 15" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1499

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1399; save $100
Friday, July 15 2005 @ 9:52 AM ET | Article Link
J&R has the 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1399.99 after a $100 instant discount. Look for item number M9690LL/A. Their price is the lowest outright price we've seen -- no rebates required.

$50 off 1.42GHz Mac mini
Friday, July 15 2005 @ 9:49 AM ET | Article Link
J&R has 1.42GHz Mac minis available today for $549.88. Look for item number M9687LL/A. That's $50 off MSRP and the lowest price we've seen for that model.

Free Kodak 5MP Easyshare Digital Camera with PowerBook purchase
Thursday, July 14 2005 @ 9:44 AM ET | Article Link
Purchase any PowerBook at ClubMac this week, and receive a free Kodak Easyshare CX7530 Zoom 5.0 megapixel digital camera (factory refurbished). Offer is valid after a $169 mail-in rebate.

OBR 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook/SuperDrive available for $1959; save $340
Thursday, July 14 2005 @ 9:37 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has open-box return 2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1959.99. Look for item number 182116. That represents a $340 discount over unopened boxes. Apple's one-year warranty is intact.

iBook G4s available today with $39 Bluetooth; save $11
Thursday, July 14 2005 @ 9:31 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has iBook G4s available today with Bluetooth installed for $39. That's $11 off Bluetooth's standard $50 fee. Ground shipping is free. All three iBook models are in stock today--here are the skus:

- 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo/Bluetooth: $1033; sku 5590880
- 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/Combo/Bluetooth: $1333; sku 5590901
- 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/SuperDrive/Bluetooth: $1533; sku 5590919

15" 2004 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1629 including iLife '05
Thursday, July 14 2005 @ 9:29 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has new, leftover, previous-generation 15" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $1629 including a free copy of iLife '05. Look for item number 4955331.

Apple refurbished 12" iBook G4s available starting at $699
Thursday, July 14 2005 @ 9:13 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has several Apple Certified Refurbished 12" iBook G4s available today beginning at $699. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free:

- 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combo: $849
- 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/CD: $799
- 12" 1GHz iBook G4/CD: $699

Is The 14-inch iBook Value Challenged? - Plus PowerBook Mystique Mailbag
Wednesday, July 13 2005 @ 9:13 AM ET | Article Link
by Charles W. Moore

Apple laptops are all wonderful machines, but there is a hierarchy of desirability, and of the current crop of Mac portables, I would have to say that the 14-inch iBook is the one I find least compelling. However, it seems to have sold well enough that Apple has kept making it longer than any other of their portable models in history, save for the 12 inch version. Indeed, Apple has made the 14-incher the distinctly "upmarket" iBook in more ways than physical size. While the original 600 MHz 14" G3 iBook shared its clock speed with the 12" model, when the machines were upgraded to G4 power in October, 2003, the two 14-inch models got faster chips than the lone 12 - partly I guess to maintain more marketing distinction between the 12" iBook and the 12" PowerBook. Read More...

Save $300 with reconditioned 2005 15" Aluminum PowerBook G4s
Wednesday, July 13 2005 @ 9:10 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 2005 15" PowerBooks available again today for $300 off the price of new models. The 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook is available for $1999, while the 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook is available for $1699. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

Apple offers refurbished 2003 12" PowerBooks starting at $999
Wednesday, July 13 2005 @ 9:07 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2003 12" 1GHz PowerBook G4s available today at prices starting at $999. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 1GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1049
- 12" 1GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $999

2004 iMac G5s available starting at $899
Wednesday, July 13 2005 @ 9:04 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 2004 iMac G5s available today starting at $899. The 17" 1.6GHz iMac G5 is available for $899, the 17" 1.8GHz iMac G5 is available for $999, and the 20" 1.8GHz iMac G5 is available for $1399. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

23" Apple Aluminum Display (reconditioned) available for $1299; save $200
Wednesday, July 13 2005 @ 9:02 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 23" Apple Aluminum DVI Flat-Panel Displays available today for $1299. That represents a $200 savings over new models. The 30" Display (reconditioned) is available for $2599 -- $400 off list price. An Apple one-year warranty is included with each display.

Updated Clearance Price Trackers
Tuesday, July 12 2005 @ 10:01 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Clearance PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers with all the latest information on prices and availability for refurbished, open-box return, leftover, and used PowerBooks and iBooks from 14 Mac dealers. We've also updated our Clearance Mac Desktops Price Tracker with the latest information on Power Macs, iMacs, minis, and eMacs.

PowerBooks available with free 512MB RAM upgrade, carrying case, and 2 printers
Tuesday, July 12 2005 @ 9:32 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has new Aluminum PowerBook G4s available with several free bundles. A 512MB RAM upgrade (for a total of 1GB of RAM with 15" and 17" models) is available after a $129 mail-in rebate and $39.95 installation fee. A free Mobile Edge carrying case is available after a $69.88 mail-in rebate, and an HP Deskjet 3650 and Epson Stylus C86 printer are both free after applicable mail-in rebates. Rebate details are available on each product's specification page. This is a pretty good deal as long as you can deal with all the rebates. Here are the skus:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2694; sku 5638126
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2294; sku 5638097
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1994; sku 5638071
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1694; sku 5638054
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1494; sku 5638038

15" PowerBooks available today with free battery and carrying case
Tuesday, July 12 2005 @ 9:25 AM ET | Article Link

AirPort Express available for $99; save $30
Tuesday, July 12 2005 @ 9:15 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned AirPort Express Base Stations available today for $99. That represents a $30 savings over new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

2004 12" PowerBooks available starting at $1099
Tuesday, July 12 2005 @ 9:13 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 2004 12" 1.33GHz PowerBooks available today starting at $1099. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1299
- 12" 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1099

Education customers get free iPod mini with purchase of new Mac
Tuesday, July 12 2005 @ 9:10 AM ET | Article Link
Apple will include a free 4GB iPod mini with the purchase of select Macs through September 24th at The Apple Store for Education as part of their Student Union promotion. Qualifying computers include all PowerBooks, Power Macs, iMac G5s, and iBooks (12"/CD model excluded). "You can choose a 4GB iPod mini in any color. Or purchase a 6GB iPod mini, 20GB or 60GB iPod, or a 20GB iPod U2 Special Edition and save $179 after mail-in rebate." Their rebate coupon is available here (PDF).

Updated PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers
Monday, July 11 2005 @ 10:49 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our PowerBook Price Trackers (17" PowerBooks | 15" PowerBooks | 12" PowerBooks) and iBook Price Trackers (14" iBooks | 12" iBooks) with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers.

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1399; save $100
Monday, July 11 2005 @ 10:10 AM ET | Article Link
J&R has the 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1399.99 after a $100 instant discount. Look for item number M9690LL/A. Their price is the lowest outright price we've seen -- no rebates required.

17" 1.67GHz PowerBook (ACR) available for $2299; save $400
Monday, July 11 2005 @ 9:54 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned (ACR) 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $2299. That's a $400 discount over new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

Apple Certified Reconditioned 12" 1.5GHz PowerBooks available; save $200 over new models
Monday, July 11 2005 @ 9:52 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 12" 1.5GHz PowerBooks available today for a $200 discount over new models. Each PowerBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, just like new laptops, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1499
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1299

Note that these models may sell out quickly at these prices.

Save $300 with reconditioned 2005 15" PowerBooks
Friday, July 8 2005 @ 9:33 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 2005 15" PowerBooks available today for $300 off the price of new models. The 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook is available for $1999, while the 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook is available for $1699. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

Custom configured PowerBooks from Apple; save $150 on some configurations
Friday, July 8 2005 @ 9:13 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has several build-to-order (BTO) options available with new PowerBook G4s. With these options, you can configure the size of the hard drive, the type of optical drive, and the amount of included memory:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook: 80GB hard drive (-$100), Up to 2GB RAM ($850)
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook: 100GB HD ($100), Combo Drive (-$150), Up to 2GB RAM ($850), 128MB VRAM ($100)
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook: 100GB HD ($100), SuperDrive ($150), Up to 2GB RAM ($850)
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBooks: 100GB 5400rpm HD ($150), Up to 1.256GB RAM ($425)

With these options, the wait at The Apple Store increases to 3-5 business days. Note that some of the options will actually reduce the price of the PowerBook. For instance, choosing an 80GB hard drive, as opposed to the standard 100GB hard drive, will lower the price of the 17" PowerBook by $100 to $2594. Choosing a Combo Drive with the 15" 1.67GHz model lowers the price by $150 to $2149.

15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive (reconditioned) available for $2049; save $250
Friday, July 8 2005 @ 9:03 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available again today for $2049. Look for item number 5760383. That represents a $250 savings over new models. A 90-day warranty is included. This model has been selling out quickly when it becomes available.

OBR 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/100GB/128MB VRAM available for $2129
Friday, July 8 2005 @ 8:17 AM ET | Article Link
ClubMac has open-box return 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives with custom 100GB hard drives and 128MB video cards available for $2129.99. Look for item number 558661. Those build-to-order items are each $100 extras on new PowerBooks (for a total price of $2499 for new units), so these OBR units represent a savings of $370.

OBR 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $2299; save $400
Friday, July 8 2005 @ 8:11 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has open-box return 2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $2299.88. Look for item number 487899. That represents a $400 discount over unopened boxes, and Apple's one-year warranty is intact.

Updated PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers
Thursday, July 7 2005 @ 8:02 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our PowerBook Price Trackers (17" PowerBooks | 15" PowerBooks | 12" PowerBooks) and iBook Price Trackers (14" iBooks | 12" iBooks) with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers.

17" 1GHz PowerBook (reconditioned) available for $1689
Thursday, July 7 2005 @ 7:54 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore has 17" 1GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1699.99. Look for item number TR1489. A TechRestore 6 month warranty is included, and there is a 30-day full refund policy. Use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive an extra $10 off for a total of $1689.

In fact, use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive $10 off any order of $150 or more at TechRestore.

2004 iMac G5s available starting at $899
Thursday, July 7 2005 @ 7:05 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 2004 iMac G5s available today starting at $899. The 17" 1.6GHz iMac G5 is available for $899, the 17" 1.8GHz iMac G5 is available for $999, and the 20" 1.8GHz iMac G5 is available for $1399. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1399; save $100
Wednesday, July 6 2005 @ 9:42 AM ET | Article Link
J&R has the 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo available for $1399.88 after a $100 instant discount. Look for item number M9690LL/A. Their price is the lowest outright price we've seen -- no rebates required.

High-end PowerBooks - Living Large - Plus PowerBook Mystique Mailbag
Wednesday, July 6 2005 @ 9:39 AM ET | Article Link
by Charles W. Moore

I tend to be oriented toward the low end of the computer spectrum. It's not that I don't have appreciation for the finer things in life, but I also like to get the best practical value for dollars spent, and whether you look at that in terms of initial capital outlay or depreciation percentage, lower-priced systems almost always come out on top, provided they supply the requisite amount of computing power and features to satisfy your actual needs.

Over the past nine years I've owned four Apple laptops that have served as my main production computers, and all but one of them has been the lowest - priced model in their respective product families. The exception is my 2000 Pismo PowerBook, which was the meanest, fastest PowerBook ever made when it was new, but I got it used when it was a year old, and in that context it has represented possibly the best purchase value of all. However, by the time any computer is three years old, it's just another old computer, and the distinction between top of the line and entry-level diminishes greatly. For example, my 500 MHz Pismo sold new for one thousand dollars more than the base 400 MHz Pismo, but today the 100 MHz difference in clock speed seems minuscule, and the difference in residual market value has shrunk to maybe $100 - $150. That's what I mean by best value for dollars spent.

Still, the high-end PowerBooks down through the years have been delectable machines, and of course were money no object, I would much rather have a PowerBook 540c than a 520, or a 292 MHz WallStreet instead of a 233 MHz unit with no L2 cache. The high-end jobbies are of course more desirable if you don't mind the fact that they typically depreciate like falling rocks. Read More...

OBR 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook/SuperDrive available for $2065; save $234
Wednesday, July 6 2005 @ 9:20 AM ET | Article Link
MacZone has open-box return 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $2065. Look for item number 00393263. That represents a $234 savings over unopened boxes.

Return to Apple: Reflections on a Year Back in a Mac School
Wednesday, July 6 2005 @ 9:17 AM ET | Article Link
by Noah Kravitz

Last January I wrote a two-part column entitled, "Reflections on Four Mac-less Months," detailing my school year to date working in a Windows-only elementary school in New York City. My, how times have changed.

Almost a year ago now I gave up the bump and grind of Brooklyn for the warmer in Winter, cooler in Summer, mellower all year vistas of Oakland, CA. With the move cross-country came a move to a new school, as well -- gone were my days of managing Windows XP, and back again were the familiar faces of eMacs, iMacs, and iBooks and their OS X login screens.

I learned a lot in that year in the WinXP trenches, both about why I prefer Macs at home and in the workplace, and what Apple still does in the name of design (or is it idiosyncracy? blind stubborness?) that I wish they'd get over already. Well, I learned a lot this past year, as well, and this time the lessons revolved around software, hardware, and what happens when a cult favorite company makes a run at the big time. Read More...

15" PowerBooks available today with free battery and carrying case
Wednesday, July 6 2005 @ 9:13 AM ET | Article Link

Apple factory reconditioned 17" PowerBook available starting at $1999
Wednesday, July 6 2005 @ 8:43 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 17" PowerBooks available today starting at $1999. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 17" 2005 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $2299 MSRP $2699
- 17" 2004 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1999

Two generations of reconditioned 12" Aluminum PowerBooks available; prices start at $1099
Wednesday, July 6 2005 @ 8:40 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 12" Aluminum PowerBook G4s available today starting at $1099. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1499 ($200 discount over new)
- 12" 2005 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1299 ($200 discount over new)
- 12" 2004 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1299
- 12" 2004 1.33GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1099

Note that some of these models may sell out quickly.

Free multifunction printer, wireless router, wireless mouse w/PowerBook or iBook purchase
Tuesday, July 5 2005 @ 10:42 AM ET | Article Link
Purchase a new PowerBook or iBook at CompUSA Online through July 9th, and receive the following items for free (mail-in rebates required) as part of their 'Stars and Stripes' promotion:

- Epson Stylus CX4600 multifunction printer
- Logitech V500 Cordless Notebook Mouse
- Netgear Cable/DSL Wireless Router, 802.11b

Updated Clearance Price Trackers
Tuesday, July 5 2005 @ 10:33 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our Clearance PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers with all the latest information on prices and availability for refurbished, open-box return, leftover, and used PowerBooks and iBooks from 14 Mac dealers. We've also updated our Clearance Mac Desktops Price Tracker with the latest information on Power Macs, iMacs, minis, and eMacs.

OBR 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4 available for $849; save $150
Tuesday, July 5 2005 @ 10:29 AM ET | Article Link
ClubMac has open-box return 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/Combos available for $849.99. Look for item number 639039. That's a $150 savings over new, unopened boxes. Apple's one-year warranty is intact.

Save $250 with reconditioned 15" Aluminum PowerBooks
Tuesday, July 5 2005 @ 10:16 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned 2005 15" Aluminum PowerBook G4s available today for up to $250 off new models. Each PowerBook comes with a 90-day parts and labor warranty, and ground shipping is free:

- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook: $2049; sku 5760383 MSRP $2299
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook: $1799; sku 5673597 MSRP $1999

12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo (reconditioned) available for $1299; save $200
Tuesday, July 5 2005 @ 10:12 AM ET | Article Link
MacConnection has reconditioned 2005 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combos available for $1299. Look for item number
5749521. That's a $200 savings over new models. A 90-day parts and labor warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

$50 off 1.42GHz Mac mini
Tuesday, July 5 2005 @ 9:18 AM ET | Article Link
J&R has 1.42GHz Mac minis available today for $549.88. Look for item number M9687LL/A. That's $50 off MSRP and the lowest price we've seen for that model.

17" 1.67GHz PowerBook (ACR) available for $2299; save $400
Tuesday, July 5 2005 @ 8:55 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned (ACR) 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $2299. That's a $400 discount over new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

20" 1.8GHz iMac G5 (reconditioned) available for $1399
Tuesday, July 5 2005 @ 8:53 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 2004 20" 1.8GHz iMac G5s available today for $1399. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/SuperDrive (reconditioned) available for $1299; save $200
Tuesday, July 5 2005 @ 8:52 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 14" 1.33GHz iBook G4/SuperDrives available today for $1299. That's a $200 discount over new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included, and ground shipping is free.

12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/CD (reconditioned) available for $759
Tuesday, July 5 2005 @ 8:51 AM ET | Article Link
TechRestore has 12" 1.2GHz iBook G4/CDs available today for $769.99. Look for item number TR1791. A TechRestore 6 month warranty is included, and there is a 30-day full refund policy. Use coupon code MACPRICES during checkout to receive an extra $10 off for a total of $759.99.

Free Kodak 6.1MP Digital Camera with 15" and 17" PowerBooks
Saturday, July 2 2005 @ 9:10 PM ET | Article Link
Purchase a new 15" or 17" PowerBook (or any Mac over $1990) at MacMall through July 17th, and receive a free factory-refurbished Kodak DX7630 6.1MP Digital Camera. Offer is good after mail-in rebate. Other optional bundles, all free after mail-in rebates, include an extra 512MB of RAM, a carrying case, plus an HP printer. The 17" PowerBook is available for $2694, while the 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook and 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook are available for $2294 and $1994, respectively.

Education customers get free iPod mini with purchase of new Mac
Saturday, July 2 2005 @ 10:30 AM ET | Article Link
Apple will include a free 4GB iPod mini with the purchase of select Macs through September 24th at The Apple Store for Education as part of their Student Union promotion. Qualifying computers include all PowerBooks, Power Macs, iMac G5s, and iBooks (12"/CD model excluded). "You can choose a 4GB iPod mini in any color. Or purchase a 6GB iPod mini, 20GB or 60GB iPod, or a 20GB iPod U2 Special Edition and save $179 after mail-in rebate." Their rebate coupon is available here (PDF).

Updated PowerBook and iBook Price Trackers
Saturday, July 2 2005 @ 10:28 AM ET | Article Link
We've updated our PowerBook Price Trackers (17" PowerBooks | 15" PowerBooks | 12" PowerBooks) and iBook Price Trackers (14" iBooks | 12" iBooks) with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability from Apple's authorized internet/catalog resellers.

Product Review: Matias OS X Keyboard
Friday, July 1 2005 @ 4:28 PM ET | Article Link
by Noah Kravitz

Matias' new OS X Keyboard gives Mac users something we've long been missing (whether we knew it or not) - an easy way to access all of OS X's built-in special characters long buried under obscure keystroke combinations. This 108-key USB keyboard features multiple markings on each key to indicate what special characters are available by combining keys with Option and Option-Shift. This is one of those products detined to make many a Mac zealot scratch her head wondering, "Why didn't anyone think of this before?" Read More...

Apple Certified Reconditioned 12" 1.5GHz PowerBooks available; save $200 over new models
Friday, July 1 2005 @ 9:57 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 12" 1.5GHz PowerBooks available today for a $200 discount over new models. Each PowerBook comes with an Apple one-year warranty, just like new laptops, and ground shipping is free. The following configurations are available:

- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrive: $1499
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4/Combo: $1299

Note that these models may sell out quickly at these prices.

Custom configured PowerBooks from Apple; save $150 on some configurations
Friday, July 1 2005 @ 9:55 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has several build-to-order (BTO) options available with new PowerBook G4s. With these options, you can configure the size of the hard drive, the type of optical drive, and the amount of included memory:

- 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook: 80GB hard drive (-$100), Up to 2GB RAM ($850)
- 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook: 100GB HD ($100), Combo Drive (-$150), Up to 2GB RAM ($850), 128MB VRAM ($100)
- 15" 1.5GHz PowerBook: 100GB HD ($100), SuperDrive ($150), Up to 2GB RAM ($850)
- 12" 1.5GHz PowerBooks: 100GB 5400rpm HD ($150), Up to 1.256GB RAM ($425)

With these options, the wait at The Apple Store increases to 3-5 business days. Note that some of the options will actually reduce the price of the PowerBook. For instance, choosing an 80GB hard drive, as opposed to the standard 100GB hard drive, will lower the price of the 17" PowerBook by $100 to $2594. Choosing a Combo Drive with the 15" 1.67GHz model lowers the price by $150 to $2149.

Factory Certified Apple Aluminum Displays available today; up to $400 off list
Friday, July 1 2005 @ 9:53 AM ET | Article Link
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Reconditioned 23" Apple Aluminum DVI Flat-Panel Displays available today for $1299. That represents a $200 savings over new models. 20" Aluminum Displays are available for $699 ($100 discount). Finally, the 30" Display is available for $2599 -- $400 off list price. An Apple one-year warranty is included with each unit, and ground shipping is free.

OBR 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook/SuperDrive available for $1959; save $340
Friday, July 1 2005 @ 8:39 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has open-box return 2005 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $1959.99. Look for item number 182116. That represents a $340 discount over unopened boxes. Apple's one-year warranty is intact.

OBR 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook available for $2299; save $400
Friday, July 1 2005 @ 8:37 AM ET | Article Link
MacMall has open-box return 2005 17" 1.67GHz PowerBook G4/SuperDrives available for $2299.88. Look for item number 487899. That represents a $400 discount over unopened boxes, and Apple's one-year warranty is intact.